In the genre of Metalcore, there is one band that is lightyears ahead of the rest. That band is the fiery Hatebreed, whose graceful brutality pulverizes without mercy. Their aptly titled 2003 release, “Rise Of Brutality” [Universal Records], harkens back to Hatebreed‘s earlier masterpieces. And there is no peace here. Harsh, guttural growls hammer through …
Cult Of Luna, Sweden’s own sons of Epic/Dark Death Metal, have created a masterpiece. Their 2003 opus, “The Beyond” [Earache Records], is a coup de grace shotgun-blast to the face of mediocrity. Their sound is cavernous—a massive, powerful force of sublime violence. Unlike most of the other bands from this region, Cult Of Luna avoids …
Pro-Pain, the last true masters of Powercore Metal, took a little different route for their 2003 opus. “Run For Cover” [Spitfire Records] is a collection of powerfully done covers of acts that inspired or influenced them. (And every one is a winner.) For the most part, Pro-Pain makes each song their own. Ferocious, growled vocals …
One of the truly greatest Metal bands ever has to be the Kenner, Louisiana outfit Acid Bath. Sadly, they are no more. But their genius, and legend, lives on. Their 1994 debut, “When The Kite String Pops” [Rotten Records], is a true masterpiece. So why do a review so many years later? Because greatness never …
Featuring a member from the legendary act Buzz-Oven, the Doom Metal monstrosity known as Sourvein is well on their way to being legendary in their own right. Their 2002 opus, “Will To Mangle” [Southern Lord Records], has a harsh dynamic that heightens the intensity of ordinary Doom. But Sourvein is far beyond ordinary. The fierce …
From a glimmer to a scream…. Ill Nino has returned in 2003 with the solid follow-up opus “Confession” [Roadrunner Records], a powerful work of Tribal/Melodic Aggro Metal magnificence. There is a stronger use of melody, but without sacrificing aggression. Ill Nino is intense and beautiful—smashing a unique, irresistible Latino influence into the Aggro Metal dynamic. …
In the continuing procession of Pop Punk bands, a new one that will please fans of the genre is Watashi Wa. Their 2003 opus, “The Love Of Life” [Tooth & Nail Records], has an aesthetic quality that is unique yet appealing. Fusing Melodic Pop Punk, some light Industrial, and a little Hardcore rumble, Watashi Wa …
From the abyss depths of epic Darkness rises the monumental band Salem. This Israeli act’s 2003 opus, “Collective Demise” [The End/System Shock Records], is an epic of Black/Doomdeath Metal genius. And it easily smashes and slashes its to the top of the cadaverous heap, making it one of the BEST RELEASES of 2003. Salem fusing …
When it comes to sheer awe, few bands can demolish it like Today Is The Day. On their excellent, 2000 CD “Live Till You Die” [Relapse Records] they shred, level, burn, and obliterate any notion of conventional musical theory. Pushing the very limits of extremity, they fuse elements of Industrial, harsh Punk, Death, and acoustic …
Amazing, horrific, and killer: these words quite aptly describe the gruesome glory of the 2003 opus by the Impaled. The gory collection of psychotic beauty, titled “Medical Waste” (Mini-CD/EP) [Deathvomit/Necropolis Records], consists of 2 undead (live) songs, 2 phenomenal covers, and surgical remnants from the “Mondo Medicale” sessions. Ironically, it is their greatest release yet. …